For some, the island is about water sports, beach parties and meeting new people. For some, it’s a dream place for a lazy day and good memories. And the rest is about sunsets and equally attracting sunrises. There are many beaches in India that never fail to leave you with a relaxing and refreshing vacation.
India is home to about 1382 renowned seaward islands. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea are India’s two largest island groups. Coral deposits and beaches with abundant vegetation and regular rainfall are features of these islands.
Situated in the Bay of Bengal and forming a narrow chain extending north-south, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a Union Territory of India. Of the 572 islands that make up this group, 37 are larger and more massive and are located where the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea converge.
It consists of two groups: the Nicobar Islands, separated by 150km, and the Andaman Islands, for the most part. The capital city is Port Blair. The only active volcanic islands in India are the Barren Islands. 2017 saw the most recent eruption.
Storm gusts that come with the job have an impact on the tropical marine ecology of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. There’s also an emotional, distant family residing there. India’s tourism sector has benefited greatly from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Barren Islands are the only active volcanic islands in India. The last eruption was in 2017.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a tropical marine environment affected by occupational storm winds. They are also home to a sentimental public, uncontactable family. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have made significant contribution to the tourism industry in India.
Their beautiful beaches, rich marine life, scuba diving and historical sites have attracted travelers. The contribution of the Islands to Indian GDP is relatively modest to other states and regions in the country. It is the biggest contributor to the Indian economy among all the islands.
Lakshadweep Island is an important additional Indian island. In Kerala, it is located south of the Malabar region. Islands composed of coral make up the Lakshadweep Islands. The Lakshadweep Islands are a group of 36 islands with a combined area of 32 square kilometres, situated in the Arabian Sea.
The Kawa Rathi Island serves as the administrative center of the Lakshadweep Islands, which were formed in 1973 by the joining of many islands. Pitti Island contains a bird asylum and is deserted. The Sanskrit term Lakshadweep, which means” Hundred Thousand Islands,” is derived from Malayalam.
A union territory is the group of islands known as Lakshadweep. Twelve atolls, three reefs, five lowering banks, and ten inhabited islands are all present. Kava Ratti is the main town and also the capital. All the islands are 220-440 km away from the seaside city of Kochi in Kerala.
Lakshadweep has heat and humidity And-Rott island is the biggest island and is the closest island to the central area. Thick vegetation, essentially coconut forest, adds to the excellence of the island.
The Lakshadweep Island contributes to the country’s primarily due to its exquisite natural beauty. Tourism in Lakshadweep focuses on activities like scuba diving, kayaking and island hopping.
Though, compared to other tourist destinations in India, the number of visitors to Lakshadweep is relatively lower due to restrictions on entry and a more controlled tourist approach to preserve the delicate ecosystem.
However, Lakshadweep has become the talk of the town globally after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the Island. Three lawmakers of the island nation claimed that through his visit, PM Modi was attempting to project Lakshadweep as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives.
Apart from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Islands, India has a few other smaller islands:
1. Diu:
Located off the coast of Gujarat, Diu is known for its Portuguese history, stunning beaches, and forts.
2. Daman: Another Portuguese legacy, Daman is a coastal town in the union territory of Daman and Diu, offering beaches and historic forts. Daman, along with Diu, is part of the union territory of Daman and Diu. It contributes to India’s tourism industry primarily through its coastal attractions, historical forts, and Portuguese architecture.
The region draws tourists interested in its beaches, such as Devka Beach and Jampore Beach, and historical sites like Fort Diu. However, compared to larger tourist destinations, Daman’s contribution to India’s overall tourism industry might be relatively smaller.
3. Majuli:
Situated in the Brahmaputra River in Assam, Majuli is the largest river island in India and is known for its unique culture and biodiversity. “Majuli” is the world’s largest river island and it attracts tourists from all over the world. It is an island in the Brahmaputra River, Assam and in 2016 it became the first island to be made a district in India.
4. Elephanta Island:
Near Mumbai, this island is famous for the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient rock-cut temples. Elephanta Island, renowned for its Elephanta Caves, makes a notable contribution to Indian tourism.
5. Chorao Island:
In Goa, Chorao Island is known for its bird sanctuary and mangrove forests. The sanctuary is a haven for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts, housing various bird species and showcasing the region’s rich biodiversity. While not as prominent as some other tourist destinations in Goa, Chorao Island’s bird sanctuary attracts visitors interested in ecotourism and nature exploration, contributing to Goa’s diverse tourism offerings.
While these islands might not have the same prominence or size as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands or Lakshadweep, they offer unique cultural, historical, or ecological attractions.